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The canvas that came back to life
Back in October 2016, the streets of Auckland’s CBD came alive with colour during Auckland… more
This charmingly simple kitchen shows that less is more. Beauty and functionality take centre stage with walls and cabinetry painted in Resene Black White and the ceiling painted in Resene Quarter Black White.
The exterior is boldly bright in the best way, with weatherboards painted in Resene Sea Fog and vertical shiplap, trims and doors in Resene Quarter Sea Fog.
Inside, simplicity meets comfort. The walls are painted in Resene Black White and the ceiling and trims in Resene Quarter Black White.
Warm timber adds warmth and grounds this open plan living area, while cooler greys on furniture complement the neutral walls in Resene Black White. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Black White.
This charmingly simple kitchen shows that less is more. Beauty and functionality take centre stage with walls and cabinetry painted in Resene Black White and the ceiling painted in Resene Quarter Black White.
This striking fireplace surround is a custom plaster finish with Resene Quarter Bison Hide, a gentle beige, painted over the top.
Bright, balanced and beautiful
In this reimagined Pt Chev home, classic Resene neutrals have been used with purpose and restraint, creating a sense of calm and effortless elegance. From the moment you step inside, there’s a softness to this whole home that immediately sets the tone. It doesn’t try to wow with bold statements, but instead invites you to slow down.
Every space feels intentional yet relaxed, a place where natural light, texture and tone work in quiet harmony. The colours don’t compete with the architecture either, they elevate them, allowing details like timber panelling, crisp lines and an arched ceiling to take centre stage.
The project, led by Kirsty Addison of Mitchell Addison Architecture & Design, has turned a once-dark weatherboard home into a luminous, contemporary retreat for family life. Every finish plays a quiet, considered role in the bigger picture.
The exterior is boldly bright in the best way, with weatherboards painted in Resene Sea Fog and vertical shiplap, trims and doors in Resene Quarter Sea Fog.
“The brief called for a timeless family home that could age gracefully and provide a neutral backdrop to the changing fashions of furniture and soft finishes,” says Kirsty. “We were able to open up a lot of interior spaces to become open, light and airy, so it felt fitting to go with classic Resene neutrals that would bounce light around and accentuate the new interior.”
Gone is the home’s original inky exterior. In its place, versatile and charming Resene Sea Fog makes the house feel more welcoming, both for its occupants and from the street. At the rear, a new glazed extension clad in vertical shiplap is painted in Resene Quarter Sea Fog, subtly lighter, but visually in sync with the main house. The effect is harmonious and grounding, letting the home settle into its leafy coastal setting.
Inside, simplicity meets comfort. The walls are painted in Resene Black White and the ceiling and trims in Resene Quarter Black White.
Warm timber adds warmth and grounds this open plan living area, while cooler greys on furniture complement the neutral walls in Resene Black White. The ceiling and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Black White.
Inside, the timeless white palette continues with Resene Black White painted on the walls in Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, a go-to for its velvety finish. Ceilings and trims are painted in Resene Quarter Black White to gently lift and define the spaces without breaking that neutral rhythm.
“Our client enjoys soft tones, natural materials and bright airy spaces,” says Kirsty. “So we worked hard to make sure the finishes complemented each other without being bland, balancing warm and cool tones to get the right feel.”
This charmingly simple kitchen shows that less is more. Beauty and functionality take centre stage with walls and cabinetry painted in Resene Black White and the ceiling painted in Resene Quarter Black White.
This striking fireplace surround is a custom plaster finish with Resene Quarter Bison Hide, a gentle beige, painted over the top.
The kitchen and dining area are a perfect expression of this vision. Light timber, soft greys and lantern lighting sit gently against the creamy palette, creating a space that feels just as welcoming at breakfast as it does during evening wind downs. The cabinetry and trim details are finished in Resene Enamacryl gloss enamel to give a subtle contrast to the matte walls.
With its soothing textures, thoughtful architecture and beautifully restrained colour choices, this is a home that doesn’t shout for attention but it quietly impresses all the same. And that’s one reason why Resene whites and neutrals continue to be a popular choice for homeowners.
design Mitchell Addison Architecture & Design
images Hamish Melville Photography
fireplace plastering Mike May
Top tip: If you have a busy home or are always entertaining guests, your home might take on some extra wear and tear. Make sure your paint finishes can handle this with durable waterborne enamels, such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on walls, Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss on trim and joinery and Resene SpaceCote Flat on the ceiling. If you do find you end up with marks, you can clean them off using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner. Outside, Resene Sonyx 101 semi-gloss is a popular finish for weatherboards balancing the easy clean of a higher sheen finish without the glare of a high gloss. If your weatherboards are a little the worse for wear, using a lower sheen finish like Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen or Resene Lumbersider Matt will help to hide the imperfections.
Published: 05 Aug 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Quarter Black White
Resene Quarter Bison Hide
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
